Biomedical Research Core Facility (BioRCF)

SERVICES

Biomedical Research Core Facility (BioRCF)

Introduction

The Biomedical Research Core Facility (BioRCF) was established in 2019 to oversee and develop 11 shared laboratory facilities located in Block C3, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Setia Alam. These laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and advanced technologies, providing essential research support to IMR researchers and collaborators.

By centralizing key resources within BioRCF, IMR researchers can conduct high-quality experiments efficiently without the need for external outsourcing, thereby optimizing both cost, time and productivity. BioRCF operates under the guidelines and strategic direction of its management committee, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and adherence to best research practices.

Core Activities & Capabilities

By centralizing resources, BioRCF allows IMR researchers to conduct efficient experiments, saving cost and time while boosting productivity. The BioRCF manages key activities, including:

Training and Capacity Building: Organizing sessions to strengthen researchers' technical competencies and promote best laboratory practices.
Facility Enhancement: Regular upgrading of instruments and infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
Technical Support and Services: Providing professional assistance, maintenance, and consultation.
Operational Management: Implementing standardized procedures and scheduling for efficient facility utilization.

Powering IMR Research with Advanced Facilities

BioRCF covers key areas such as training and capacity building, facility enhancement, technical support, and operational management, all aimed at strengthening research productivity and maintaining the highest standards of laboratory practice.

Functions of BioRCF Facilities

Advanced Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory (AABL): Provides specialized analytical and technical services using high-end instruments (like NMR and LC-MS) to support biomedical research.
Bioinformatic Laboratory: Applies computational tools to process, manage, and interpret high-throughput biological datasets, such as genomics data, and strengthens data analysis capacity.
Electron Microscopy Laboratory: Offers specialized diagnostic and research services using advanced microscopy equipment (SEM and TEM) for ultrastructural examination and imaging.
Flowcytometry Laboratory: Provides resources and technical support for advanced cell sorting, cellular analysis, and specialized haematological analysis.
Genomic Facility: Offers dedicated space and high-throughput instrumentation for comprehensive genomic sample processing and molecular analysis (e.g., DNA sequencing and PCR).
Good Manufacturing Practice Laboratory (GMP): Produces cell and gene therapy products in compliance with GMP standards for use in clinical research.
Histology Laboratory: Provides state-of-the-art facilities and technical support for histology and histopathology research, including tissue processing and staining.
High Throughput Screening (HTS) Laboratory: Offers automated screening platforms for large-scale studies supporting drug discovery and biomedical research.
In Vivo Facilities: Maintains Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) environments and facilities for the ethical care, housing, and experimentation of research animals.
Proteomic Laboratory: Performs advanced protein separation, identification, and quantification using high-resolution analytical platforms like Mass Spectrometry.
Shared Facilities (SHF): Provides centralized access to essential shared resources and utilities, such as cold rooms, freezers, and sterilization rooms, for optimal research infrastructure utilization.